Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Prime Minister Bruce Golding has warned parents that they will be held responsible for the deaths of children who perish in house fires.

Golding's message came a day before the death of four-year-old Renée Brown, who perished in a fire at her Upper King Street home in Montego Bay, St James, Monday night.

"I am disheartened by what appears to be reckless and careless actions by some parents that result in these mishaps and subsequent deaths of our children and you must realise that you will be held accountable," read part of a message from the prime minister at Sunday's opening ceremony of the Jamaica Fire Brigade Fire Safety Week.

Participate in workshops

The message further urged individuals to participate in the relevant seminars or workshops on fire safety, during this weeklong exercise, which can prove useful in the event of a fire.

The little girl was reportedly staying with her stepfather when she died. The child's mother was not at home at the time of the death.

Firefighters are yet to establish the cause of the fire, which began at 11:15 p.m. and left more than $3 million in damage.

Two people sustained minor injuries trying to rescue the child and were treated and released from the hospital.

St James fire data

Little Renée's death brings to two, the number of children to have died in fires in St James since January.

Data from the St James Fire Department for January to August indicate that seven children have been injured in fires across the parish, while 47 children have been made homeless as a result of house fires.

Fire Prevention Officer Noel Myrie urged the public to be vigilant in the event of a fire, and to help those who are sometimes unable to assist themselves.

"Children and the elderly are the ones who suffer the most during a fire, so the public needs to pay special attention to these individuals in the event of a fire."

In a bid to ensure that children are aware of what to do during a fire, he charged that parents should teach children fire safety measures from an early age so they know to head to the nearest exit when there is a blaze.

Don't get burned!

Leading causes of fire

According to the St James Fire Department, the following are the most common causes of a fire:

Children left unattended.

Candles left unattended.

Electrical surges, where there is an electrical power overload.

Improper storage of flammable liquids.

Burning in open spaces

Preventing fires

In an effort to prevent fire within the household, Fire Prevention Officer Noel Myrie urged individuals:

Not to leave children at home by themselves, as they may play with matches or other items that can cause a fire.

To keep all flammable items in a safe area that cannot be easily assessed by a young child.

Not to burn garbage in open spaces, as it is unsafe and against the law.

Not to leave cooking unattended.

To invest in fire detectors, most of them are affordable and battery operated and can prove helpful for early detection of fires within the home.